Amazing indeed. Simply amazing. That’s what they are, the 2007 New England Patriots. They completed the regular season matches with a solid performance, becoming the first ever team to record a 16 – 0 in regular season.
The Patriots had to come back from behind to secure their record. They were down 23 – 28 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, they simply stepped on the gas pedal and never looked back. Scoring 2 TDs (one with two point conversion) to secure their record breaking win over the New York Giants. In the end, they were up 38 – 35 over the Giants.
The win was also filled with record breaking plays. T.Braddy surpassed Peyton Manning’s record of 49 TDs in a season. He threw for two TDs against the Giants for a total of 50TD in a season. Randy Moss gained his 23rd TD reception in a season, overcoming the previous record set by the great Jerry Rice. Consequently, the two records were broken in the same play – the 65 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.
Praises came flying in after the win. Among the most notable praise came from the only other coach of an unbeaten NFL team – Don Shula of the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Shula says the Pats
“.. have done a great job concentrating on each week’s opponent and not letting any other distractions interrupt that focus. If they go on to complete an undefeated season, I will be the first to congratulate Coach Belichick and the Patriot organization.”
Record breaking feat aside, the Patriots must now focus on the play-offs. All their work they’ve put in the regular season would be for nothing should they fail to complete it by winning the Super Bowl. Although they look more than capable of winning it. The post season matches are always a whole different ball game altogether. It’s always tougher in the play-offs.
Three more games for the Patriots to really join the ranks of the 1972 Dolphins. Will they be able to do it?